Spirocyclic Tetramates by Sequential Knoevenagel and [1,5]-Prototropic Shift.

Highly functionalized spirocyclic tetramates were prepared via a sequential Knoevenagel reaction and [1,5]-prototropic shift (T-reaction) of bicyclic tetramates. While these compounds isomerize in solution, stable analogues can be prepared via an appropriate choice of substituents. Further modification of these compounds allows for the introduction of aromatic groups, making them suitable as skeletons for application in medicinal chemistry.

Economic components of grief.

This article investigates the nature, context, and impact of economic stressors associated with loss, drawing on a mixed-methods study of changes in financial circumstances and economic roles following death of a life partner. Findings show how economic changes, and the practicalities of dealing with such transitions, shaped individual responses to the death. Perceived decline in financial wellbeing was associated with increased risk of poor psychological health following bereavement.

Change in living arrangements following death of a partner in England and Wales, 1971 to 2001.

Understanding trends and changes in the circumstances of couples separated by death is important for policy initiatives to reduce vulnerabilities associated with end of life care and for those who live on. This article uses widow(er)hood statistics and census data from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study. It examines changes in couples' living arrangements and households at four successive censuses from 1971 to 2001 and shows how these differ by age and gender on the death of a spouse or partner.

Carer distress: a prospective, population-based study.

This study investigates whether transitions into and out of unpaid caregiving are associated with increased risk for onset of or delayed recovery from psychological distress, and traces the prevalence of distress across successive years of caring activity and after caregiving has ceased. The analysis is based on data from the British Household Panel Survey covering 3000 would-be carers, 2900 former carers, and 11,100 non-carers during the 1990s; their psychological well-being was assessed at annual intervals using the General Health Questionnaire. Carers providing long hours of care over extended spells present raised levels of distress, women more so than men.

Caring-related inequalities in psychological distress in Britain during the 1990s.

Background: This paper examines recent trends in inequalities in psychological distress associated with the provision of unpaid care by those who look after frail older people and younger disabled adults and children. Caring activities intensified during the 1990s, associated with increasing amounts of time devoted to the more demanding types of care and to those relationships that typically make heavy demands on the carer. Heavy involvement in caregiving is often associated with symptoms of anxiety and distress, and the intensification of care may increase rates of distress in carers relative to that in non-carers.